Elder Britten Schenk

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

After meeting with Elder Costa, we had an appointment to see Dr. Ribus at the Albert Einstein Hospital. Driving to the hospital brought back so many memories, as we traveled the same streets as before. As you rounded a corner and followed the street up on a hill, was a beautiful state of the art building. It was just like yesterday that we were there. But this time, under very happy circumstances. I was so excited for Dr. Ribus to see Britten and how well he was doing.

While we walked down several familiar halls to get to Dr. Ribus's office, I admired all the architectural
structures as I had noticed them before. The hospital was such an incredible, beautiful building.

We waited with anticipation to see Dr. Ribus. When the Secretary called us back to his office, Dr. Ribus took Britten's hand and said, "Wow! Look at you!" He then shook our hands as he welcomed us to sit down in his office. He just kept looking at Britten in awe. After a few minutes he said, "I would never have imagined this possible!" "I am so happy for you."

The secretary had told us Dr. Ribus had a very busy afternoon with 2 surgeries and a young boy he needed to go attend to, so we didn't expect much time with him. Steven and I were so impressed though as Dr. Ribus was very patient and wanted to visit with us. He had so many questions he wanted to ask Britten about his recovery. As they were visiting, Dr. Ribus said again, " I am just so impressed with you. Your recovery is just very impressive." He was very impressed that Britten was back in College. We told him that school is very difficult for Britt, but he is doing it with an amazing attitude. He asked Britten what he thought he wanted to go into? Britten said that it has been very difficult deciding what to do. Before his mission, he wanted to be a Dentist. But now with his limited eye sight, and the difficulty of school...It makes it very challenging. Britten told Dr. Ribus that he thinks he is going into Physical Therapy. Britten said, "I want to help people, and my PT's helped me so much, learning how to walk and get around. I think that is something I want to do."
Dr. Ribus commemted, "well, you will certainly be able to help people and understand what they are going through...I think that is a marvelous decision for you."
He then asked Britten why we came back to Brazil? Britten said with a smile on his face, "To see you!" Dr. Ribus just looked at him, not knowing what to say. Then Britt said, "I never got to tell anyone goodbye, so I'm just coming back to see all my friends, Elder Costa, You, the nurses and to speak at a fireside." Britten told him, "I've been able to speak at a lot of public functions and for church fireside, and I love doing that." "I feel like I am able to help people." Dr. Ribus said, "I'm sure you are!" "That is good...that is good."
We told Dr. Ribus that we had a DVD we would like to have watched with him, but we knew his time was limited. We gave it to him and hoped that Dr. Caponi could watch it as well. Dr. Caponi was Britten's internal doctor while he was battling phnemioa, diabetes inspididus and other conditions. We saw him on a daily basis, and appreciated his compasion in treating Britt. Dr. Ribus imformed us that he was out of town for a few months, but assured us he would get the video to Dr. Caponi as soon as he got back. Dr. Ribus said, "He would have loved to see you."

Dr. Ribus was grateful for the DVD and said he was excited to watch it himself. We also gave him a Card with Britten's picture on it. Britten told him that on the back of the card was a email that he had sent home, just 4 months before his accident. Dr. Ribus eyes went to the card and as we were talking and I could tell he was reading it. It was great seeing his face as he read it, as he showed much expression. It was so wonderful to have a great visit with a doctor that we have love and respect for. He was thrilled that we would come back to see him. He graciously took pictures with us and then gave us his number, if we ever needed to get ahold of him.
Thank you Dr. Ribus and staff for your kindness your compassion and competant care. We love you!
We left Dr. Ribus's office and went to a different wing of the hospital...the ICU. I was so excited to see the nurses that we grew so close to during our 4 week stay. They had become part of our family as we watched them take care of Britten. They treated Britt as if it was their own brother, as they were so kind and gentle with him. The compassion they should us was heartwarming and I looked forward to seeing them each day.

The front desk paged Simone for us and we watched her come around the corner with a big smile!!!

We were all smiling as well, as she came into the lobby. Hugs were exchanged that were very meaningful, for she also had been a part in Britten's recovery. After hugging Steven and I, we indroduced her to Britten. Britten looked much different now, than in the hospital 2 3/4 years ago. Beside's that, Britten needed to be introduced to them, because he didn't remember them. He was in a coma...sleeping!
Simone gave Britten a kiss on the cheek and big hug, while she patted his back and head. She stood back and just looked at him. She was so happy to see us, as we were her. Britten said to her, "It's so good to meet you." "I've been practicing my Portuguese so I could talk with you." Simone asked him some more questions.......

Simone took us back to the ICU so we could see others nurses that helped care for Britt. Walking back to this area was all too familiar. I could see into the room that Britten was confined in, as they were trying to keep him alive. My heart sank to see another patient lay in the same room. My thoughts went back to Britten. Wow, what a long road it had been. Being in the hospital seemed like yesterday, and yet the past 2 3/4 years has been a blur.
Simone brought a few of the nurses to meet us, and it didn't take them long to recognize us.

There were a few other nureses that weren't there and we were so disappointed to not see them. We spent so much time with them as they cared for Britten. We gave Simone a DVD of our testimony and Britten's story. She was so thrilled that we would think of her. As we were visiting with Simone, some of the other nurses took the DVD from Simone's pocket and put it in the computer so they could watch it. It was so wonderful to see the look in their eyes. Some other nurses came around and marveled that we would come back to see Simone. They started to get emotional as they said, "No one ever comes back after they leave the hospital. We never get to see the outcome." They were so happy and overcome with emotion at how well Britten was doing.
It came time for us to leave and it was more difficult than I had ever expected. We may never see these wonderful nurses that we grew so close to in the hospital. Our memories at the Albert Einstein Hospital and the staff that took care of us, will always hold a special place in our heart!

After we left the hospital, we decided to visit the place of the accident. Britten had always been curious of where and how it could of happened. We found the street were it was described to us, and got out of the car. As we stood across the street from the accident site, we watched as buses and cars flew around the corner. Sometimes it looked like the buses were on 2 wheels as the slipped around the sidewalk. It came into play of our minds, exactly how Britten's accident could have happened. The buses sent chills throughout my body as they flew by us. There was closure in our minds of how this could have happened, and it was okay to leave that memory behind us.

What a beautiful day it had been, meeting with Elder Costa and Staff, Dr. Ribus, Simone and other nurses. Our hearts were full of love for these wonderful people that had become part of our lives, and part of Britten's story. We closed the day with Felipe and Iza at a delicious Brazilian Barbque. And Yes....#rollmeoutthedoor!

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Steven, Britten and I had much anticipation for this day. We were going to meet with Elder Costa, the Area President of Brazil and the doctors and nurses at the Albert Einstein Hospital today.
Felipe picked us up at the Hotel and was going with us to meet the doctors and Elder Costa. While we were driving Felipe shared with us what happened after he dropped us off the night before. Felipe and Lohony (who had also just returned from a mission) shared their testimony's with Andre. Andre was so moved with the spirit he felt, by learning of Britten's miracles and every one's testimony's. He said, "I have this good feeling and I want this in my life. I want to learn more, so I can feel like this always!" My eye's welled up to hear of Andre's desire to learn more of the gospel.

Before our appointment at the church offices with Elder Costa, we decided to have lunch at the temple. There were 9 sister missionary's eating lunch there also, before their return home that evening. It was wonderful to be able to visit with them about their missions and where they were from. What a small world it is, as one of the sisters, was from Smithfield, Ut... just a couple miles from us. Crazy! We took pictures in front of the temple and then went to the Church offices that are located right behind the Temple. It was wonderful to be in the Sao Paulo temple and the temple grounds again!

We entered the Church offices and we had to show our passports at the front desk to be cleared, before they took us up to see Elder Costa. This was all so familiar as I remember so well our first visit here. We entered the front office and there was Elder Costa standing down a long hall with a huge smile on his face and his arms held out to greet us. He showed much enthusiasm to see Elder Schenk as he gave him a Huge Brazilian Hug! He welcomed each one of us the same way...even Felipe.

To sit in his office for the second time was amazing and something I never dreamed would happen. My heart was overflowing as smiles and laughter filled the room. Many stories and feelings were shared and later I wished I could have recorded the conversation. Elder Costa shared many things with us. He shared how the people in Brazil loved Elder Schenk and how his miracle had touched the lives of many.

We asked Elder Costa, "How much time he had for us", because we knew of his busy schedule. He replied, "I have a very busy schedule today, but for you...I have 10 hours!" It was incredible the love we felt from this great man. We then asked Elder Costa, if we could share with him, Britten's story that we put together on DVD? He said, "Of course". It was thrilling to watch his face as he was moved with the video. When the video ended he said, "I have a great idea. We need to put this on the church website for everyone to see. Brazil needs to see his miracles, and it would help so many! But we will need your permission." I hesitated a minute and asked Steven and Britten what they thought about this. I told Elder Costa that we have spoken at several firesides where we have shown this video and several times people have asked me if they could get a copy of it or if it was on the inter net. I told them No. It's just kind of for us and family. Just not ready to put it out there for everyone to have.
I turned to Britten and asked, "What do you think? Are you ready to have it out there?"
We all looked at each other and decided.... maybe it's was time. Elder Costa was so excited and went
to get Alex who would be over this project.

While Elder Costa was gone we had a wonderful and moving visit with Ozani and Nellys, Elder Costa's secretary. Nellys is a most beautiful woman and could be mistaken for the Brazilian version of Angelina Jolie! Nellys told me that she will never forget the look in my eyes when we came to see Elder Costa after Britten's accident. She said, "I can't even imagine the pain of a mother receiving this news about her son." She said, "When you and Steven left Elder Costa's office to go to the hospital, we all joined together and knelt in prayer for Britten."

Ozani shared with us his personal experience of Britten. He told us that they kept some news from us when we came after the accident, as they were just trying to protect us. As he continued to share with us some of the details, he got choked up and was having a hard time containing his emotions. He asked to be excused. It was so difficult for him to relive those first few days, as he was with Britten.He said when he went to Santa Casa Hospital to see Britten, he was completely wrapped in bandages. He said he couldn't see anything... couldn't see his eyes or any of his face...anything. It was not good. He told us it took them about 4 hours trying to get Britten ready to be transported from the Santa Casa hospital to the ambulance that was transporting him to the Albert Einstein Hospital. Britten asked them why it took so long. Ozani and Nellys said, "because YOU were in such critical condition!" "So many people were there trying to help you."

They got Britten transported to the Albert Einstein Hospital and Dr. Ribus examed him and ran the test on his brain. Dr. Ribus said, "I do not have good news for you. There is nothing we can do for him. He has No blood or oxygen flow to his head. He will not survive." Ozani stood there with tears running down his cheeks, just looking at us. He said, "Dr. Ribus asked President Moriera and I to sign some papers so they could take Britten's organs to be donated to others." Ozani said, "That is not our roll to make that kind of decision. His parents are coming. We need to wait for his parents. When your parents arrived here the area Presidents were fasting. I was there when your parents met with Dr. Ribus. Dr. Ribus said, "We have a different scenario now....Something happened. A miracle happened...... Ozani choked back some tears and said, "It is a miracle.....It's a miracle."

Words can not adequately express the feelings that was present in that room.
Nellys then said, "I know and believe modern day miracles happen, but I had never seen one. And now, to have witnessed one personally... is incredible." Tears, hugs, smiles and laughter were shared as we were all reminded about this beautiful miracle we had witnessed!

Ozani then took Britten around the church offices and introduced him to many. Britten told me later, "Wow, it was so crazy to have women crying and then give me a hug. I didn't know anybody and yet they all acted like they knew me." Oh course, they remembered Britten and were part of the fasting and prayers offered in his behalf.Elder Costa returned and told us that Alex was gone, working on another project. He told us that he would be getting with us later, so they could put it on the lds.org.brazil website. What an incredible feeling, to think that Elder Costa would want Britten's inspiring story to be seen by many!
It was so wonderful to be with Elder Costa and his staff and to feel of their love for us, as we felt the same for them.I looked around the room I and saw several different pictures of the Savior. The Savior's love was present that day! And we have felt His love over the past 2 1/2 years. He has been with us! He has given us strength to get through the rough days. And He has helped us find peace, comfort and Happiness!
Thank you Elder Costa, Nellys, Ozani andTelmo. It was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with you and we feel it a great privilage to know you.

My heart was so full of gratitude for the wonderful couple, Scott and Jenae who made this possible. They felt prompted by the spirit to have us return to Brazil and share Britten's story with the doctor's, nurses, Elder Costa and to speak at some firesides. To be able to share our testimony's and Britten's miracles has been an experience we will never forget. Lives have been touched, and testimony's strengthened through their kind efforts.
We appreciate Scott's time, talent and inspiration, in putting together a video (in Portuguese) of Britten's story. You can't watch it with out feeling the spirit and shedding a tear. We also want to thank Aline Bakr and Tanner Dance for doing the Portuguese translation.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

It felt good Tuesday morning to sleep in for a bit. The 5 hour time difference and late nights were catching up with us. Britten spent time making several phone calls and lining up the rest of the week. There were so many people he wanted to see, but not enough time to accomplish that. Sally told us about Belem's Christmas party on Saturday night, so we were grateful for the Ward Party's because that allowed Britten to see a lot of people in one night.

Tuesday evening Maria invited us to have dinner with her and her 2 children, Valeria and Roberto. They welcomed us into their home and invited us to sit at their table that was in their family room. Maria smiled at us and said, "My table is small but our hearts are Huge!" She had prepared so much food for us that she had to use 2 tables. As we have been surrounded by so many humble people, they have taught me so much. They may have very little, but they so so grateful for what they have, and they are so very happy!

After a wonderful meal, we watched Britten's video with them. The spirit was present that evening as I watched the tears flow from their eyes. The young man was trying to decide whether to go on a mission, while the sister had drifted slightly. As the video ended, she wiped tears from her eyes and said, "I feel the spirit so strongly. It makes me want tobetter and stronger." She continued, "I noticed your smile (Karla) in every picture and you look so happy. I wonder, how can you be so happy with everything that has happened?" I was grateful for that question, as it gave me the opportunity to bear my testimony and explain to her how I could be so happy. "If we turn to our heart to the Lord and trust in him, he will give us strength and we can be happy even while we are going through our trials. Hugs and kisses were exchanged as the spirit filled the room.I could see the joy in her mother's eyes. Maria's smiled as she kissed me gently on the cheek and said, "thank you, thank you so much", was spoken in Portuguese. Maria gave me a gift of 6 beautiful crocheted place mats. Her cousin must of spent hours and hours making them and I accepted them knowing they were a gift of love.
Britten was able to talk to Roberto about the joy he felt from serving a mission. Britten said, "It was the best decision that I have made."
What a beautiful evening was spent with this family, as the spirit touched all of us. Thank you Maria, Valeria and Roberto... You touched our lives that day with your huge hearts!

Felipe and his friend Andre picked us up, so he could to take us back to our hotel. Andre was a life long friend of Felipe's and had spent 6 months in the USA, so he English was pretty good. Felipe had told us that he had been trying to share the gospel with Andre. Andre said to Felipe, "You've been gone for 2 years and you are so different...why?" Felipe told him that he wanted him to meet Britten, because Britten and the Gospel of Jesus Christ changed him and helped him to be a better person.As we were riding in the car, I enjoyed the conversation with Andre so much. He was telling us that he wanted to be a pilot and so he works at the airport to get experience. We told him about our flight and what happened to us at the Atlanta airport. All the people were boarded on the plane ready for the plane to push back when the pilot voice came across the intercom. "We are sorry, but a person ready to board the plane left their passport in their luggage and it has already been loaded with the cargo." Sooo, we sat there for 1 1/2 hours so they could unload All the luggage until they found it. Uggg!
Andre was amazed at that crazy story. He commented the Atlanta airport is So Huge! I proceeded to explain to him, "That's the reason why we felt like we needed to accompany Britt on this trip. With how big the airport is and Britten's limited vision, we were worried about him not being able to see the signs and get where he needed to be." Andre said, "What.. he can not see good?" I immediately said, "Has Felipe not told you about Britten?" He said, "No."
So the rest of the conversation was about Britten's accident and the miracles that happened! Andre sat their in awe. He couldn't quit looking at Britten. He said, "I cant believe what you tell me....He looks so perfect!" He then asked, "Do you think that "medicine" saved him or "faith and miracles." We bore our testimony's that 100% of it was faith and miracles. I said, "The doctors that told us they couldn't do anything for him...He will not survive, because there was no blood or oxygen supply to his head." Two days later, being kept alive by life support, the miracle happened. Dr. Ribus, the doctor that witnessed this, wrote us 5 weeks later. He said, "We may see one or two miracles a year, and Britten is definitely that miracle." Yes, We had witnessed "Divine Intervention".
Andre sat there dumb founded at what he was hearing. He said, "I have a hundred more questions, but I'm just trying to take all of this in." Steven then bore his testimony to him and how wonderful the doctors were in Brazil and how they were compassionate and very competent as cared for him. But Britten's determination, his great attitude and his faith in God, is why he is recovering so well.

We gave Andre, Britten's card with his feeling about challenges and trials, and a DVD of his story. We told Andre about a fireside we were doing on Sunday night. Andrea was so moved and asked if he could come? We said, "Of course, We would be honored to have you with us."
As we retired that evening my heart was so full. Grateful we could share our deep rooted testimonies of Jesus Christ, his atonement and the pathway of happiness in life.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Monday morning Britt was excited to spend the day in Belem. He was going to visit Sally, Johanna and Mirella, who were very special to him. -Sally was one of his "mothers" that fed him often. Sally had fed Britten just a couple of hours before the accident happened. Her son Michel, told us that Sally has blamed herself this whole time. She wished she would have kept him there at the house with her. Sally was with Britten for 11 hours at Santa Casa Hospital right after the accident. She loved him, as if he were her own son.
Sally, a neighbor to Johanna and Mirella, was in the Belem ward and a was always sharing the gospel with everyone. Sally was a very good missionary. She introduced the Elders, Britten and his companion to Mirella. Mirella was a beautiful, well behaved, mature 9 years old girl.Britten immediately had a connection with Mirella and was so impressed with her and her mother Johanna. Mirella was such a sweetheart and had the kindness of her mother. Britten wrote home to tell us about this "Angel" that he had baptized, named Mirella!-

When we arrived in Belem, Britt was anxious to see Mirella. He stood by the front door and clapped, and Mirella immediately opened the door. There she stood looking like a Angel, holding her little dog. Britten bent down to gave her a big hug and Mirella just wrapped her arms around his neck.
-Last time Mirella had seen Britten was in the hospital after the accident. It must had been terrifying for her as Britten was not recognizable, as his face was so beaten up and swollen. But this little Angel stood by Britten's bedside while tears ran down her cheeks.-I'm sure seeing Britten after 2 1/2 years was a wonderful sight to her. This was the missionary, that taught her and brought the love of Christ into her life, and into her home. Hopefully the awful memories in the hospital faded away, as she could see Britten had recovered and was back to his handsome self. Britten then gave Mirella a gift...a CTR necklace, so she would always remember to Choose the Right.

It was then Sally's turn. Sally held Britten and tears flowed from her eyes, as she cried and cried and cried. Sally sat and stroked his face, and she was thrilled with his recovery and return to Brazil.

We sat around and enjoyed a great visit and Johanna's nephew Jai, joined us. Johanna was in the kitchen preparing a exquisite meal for us. As we walked into the kitchen and they seated us at the table, I marveled at the beautiful food in front of us.
They treated us like royalty, and the food was fit for a queen. Steven called her, "The Master Chef". Just when we thought we couldn't eat one more bite, she brought out 2 mouthwatering desserts!

We shared the story with her about "roll me out the door". We told her, this is #rollmeoutthedoorday4! We convinced Johanna, to save the 2nd dessert for a little later in the afternoon.

Then we went into the family room and Steven and I showed them Britt's video that we had made in Portuguese, just for our trip to Brazil. I looked over during the video and Sally took Britten's hands and held them the whole time, while she just cried.
It was heartwarming to see Sally's reaction as she watched the video as Britten started to progress. When she saw the part of Britt shooting the basketball, and then finally him making the basket... Sally cheered and cheered as if she were there!
The spirit touched us all, where at the end of the video it says, "Have miracles ceased?.... Behold, I say unto you, Nay." Moroni 7:33 Tears were wiped away, as Sally, Mirella & Johanna had prayed with faith, for Britten's life... they were part of this great miracle!

How great it was to spend time with Sally, Mirella, Johanna, and Jai. You are dear not only to Britten, but also Steven and I.
We love you!

Sally wanted to take us to her house next, as she just lived down the street. We patiently walked with
Sally while she told us this was the first time she had walked to Johanna's. Three months earlier, Sally had a stroke, leaving the right side of her body partially paralyzed. Sally has much determination, and has been working very hard to get the use of her leg and arm back. Sally's determination and faith reminds me a lot of Britten!
The next couple of hours, we enjoyed our visit, as Sally told us many stories about Britt. She told us that she was getting ready for a wedding and she wanted to paint and make the place look a little nicer. Britten asked her if she had some paint, and he would do it. Sally said, " you need more help than just you and your companion." Britten said, "Alright, I will get 2 more Elders to help". The next day, Britten had three other Elders to help paint her house. Sally said that it was Britten that ended up painting most of the house, while the others watched. She asked Britten, "where did you learn to paint so good?" He laughed and said, "my mother taught me! We do a lot of things like this!"

Sally related another story...Britten was to each lunch at a members house one afternoon, but it fell through. They decided to walk to Sally's, because they knew she would feed them. When they got to Sally's, they told her of their situation. Sally invited them in, not telling Britten and his companion about her own situation. She didn't have any food... only had enough in her frig for one meal to feed her and her daughter. Sally told us, that she would not turn down the missionary's, so she fed them the last of her food. That afternoon, Sally's daughter come home from work very excited! She had received a Big raise at work that day and had money for food.
Hearing Sally's story touched our hearts, as we realized she was a woman of faith.
As Sally related another story, I realized how special the bond was between her and Elder Schenk.Britten had stopped by to visit Sally one day and she was really struggling with not feeling well. Some things had not gone well that day and her knees were really bothering her. After they had visited for awhile, Britten asked her what they could do for her? She said, "nothing. I am fine". Britten kept asking her what they could help her with and she continued to say, "I'm fine, I'm fine".
Britten then asked Sally if they could give her a blessing? Sally said, "I will never turn down a blessing". Sally told us that Britten gave her a beautiful blessing and told her she would start feeling better and that everything would be okay. Sally then told us that a few days later, was when Britten's accident happen. She stood in the hospital for 11 hours while praying for Elder Schenk. She said, "and my knees didn't bother me at all. The power of the Priesthood is real!" Steven and I was moved to see the mutual love and respect that Sally and Britten had for each other. They both trusted in the Lord and showed unwavering faith.

Later that afternoon Sally's son Michel, his wife and 3 children came to visit. Sally got the idea for Michel to take us to the first hospital where the Doctors removed Britten's shattered skull. Sally wanted the doctors to see Britten and his miraculous recovery. So Michel was kind enough to take us

to the Santa Casa Hospital. We had been told that it was a old Monastery, that was converted into a hospital. When we drove up to the hospital, I was amazed at this incredible sight. Yes, it was a old monastery, but not what I had pictured in my mind. It was a beautiful Catholic Cathedral that had been renovated and made into a Medical School, probably like the University of Utah. We were in awe at the sight of this building.

We walked down many of the halls and took pictures, while trying to find someone to talk to about finding out information on the doctors that did Britten's surgery. Finally, a lady told us that the office was closed, but if we come back tomorrow someone could help us find the records and look up the doctors names.We had a very peaceful feeling leaving the Santa Casa Hospital, and felt very content as we walked away. We were so thrilled that we were able to see his beautiful building and even though we didn't see the doctors, we knew they played and important role in Britten's life.

When we arrived back to Sally's at 10:00 pm she and her daughter-in-law placed a wonderful dinner before us. Of course we laughed and said, #rollmeoutthedoorday4!Later, we watched Britten's video with Michel and his family and they were so touched. They had heard Sally talk of Britten all this time, and knew how special their relationship was.

Michel, who was director of the Institute in his area, asked if he
could share Britten's story with the students there. We agreed of course and gave him a DVD of Britten's story.
It had been a privilege to spend the afternoon and evening with Sally, her son Michel and family.
Sally sent me home with a beautiful gift of two hand towels that she had made. Our family's heart had been touched that day, to feel of the love Sally had for our son, and also for us.
Thank You Sally, for opening your heart and home to our family!